Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of providing rewards-based payment method selection, the method comprising: storing a plurality of payment account numbers in association with a tokenized financial account number, each payment account number of the plurality of payment account numbers being associated with a purchase-based rewards program; receiving, from a merchant POS terminal, a primary transaction authorization request generated by the merchant POS terminal based on an attempted transaction made in association with the tokenized financial account number; generating, based on the primary transaction authorization request and the plurality of payment account numbers, a plurality of provisional transaction authorization requests, each of the plurality of provisional transaction authorization requests corresponding to one of the plurality of payment account numbers; transmitting, to a plurality of payment authorization servers, the plurality of provisional transaction authorization requests; receiving, from the plurality of payment authorization servers, a plurality of provisional transaction authorizations, each of the plurality of provisional transaction authorizations corresponding to a respective payment account number of the plurality of payment account numbers; transmitting, to the merchant POS terminal, a temporary transaction authorization message to authorize the attempted transaction; receiving a transaction execution message from the merchant POS terminal indicating that the attempted transaction has been executed; receiving, from the plurality of payment authorization servers, a plurality of initial rewards bids, each initial rewards bid associated with a respective provisional transaction authorization; transmitting each of the plurality of initial rewards bids to each of the plurality of payment authorization servers; receiving, from the plurality of payment authorization servers, one or more updated rewards bids based on a comparison of the plurality of initial rewards bids; normalizing the one or more initial rewards bids and/or the one or more updated rewards bids based on a common factor, wherein the common factor is the value of the rewards bid in dollars per $100 dollars spent; transmitting, to a user device, the one or more initial rewards bids and/or one or more updated rewards bids; determining a preferred payment account number from among the plurality of payment account numbers based on the one or more initial rewards bids and/or the one or more updated rewards bids; and transmitting, to the merchant POS terminal, a transaction settlement message including the preferred payment account number.
This invention relates to a rewards-based payment method selection system for optimizing transaction rewards. The system addresses the problem of users missing out on optimal rewards when making purchases, as they may not know which of their linked payment accounts offers the best rewards for a given transaction. The method involves storing multiple payment account numbers, each linked to a tokenized financial account and associated with different purchase-based rewards programs. When a transaction is initiated at a merchant POS terminal using the tokenized account, the system generates provisional authorization requests for each linked payment account and sends them to respective payment authorization servers. Provisional authorizations are received, and a temporary authorization is sent to the merchant to complete the transaction. After execution, the system collects initial rewards bids from the payment authorization servers, shares these bids among them, and receives updated bids based on competitive comparisons. The bids are normalized to a common factor (e.g., dollars per $100 spent) for fair comparison. The normalized bids are transmitted to a user device, allowing the user to select the preferred payment account based on the highest rewards offer. The system then sends a transaction settlement message to the merchant with the chosen account. This approach ensures users maximize rewards by dynamically selecting the best payment method for each transaction.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temporary transaction authorization message does not specify a payment account number.
A system and method for processing payment transactions involves generating a temporary transaction authorization message that does not include a payment account number. This approach enhances security by reducing exposure of sensitive financial information during transaction authorization. The method includes receiving a request to authorize a payment transaction, generating a temporary authorization message that references the transaction without exposing the underlying payment account details, and transmitting this message to a payment processor or merchant system. The temporary message may include a transaction identifier, merchant details, and authorization parameters, but excludes the full account number. This allows the payment network to verify the transaction without requiring the full account data, reducing the risk of data breaches or fraud. The system may also include a backend server that decrypts or decodes the temporary message to retrieve the necessary account information for settlement, ensuring that sensitive data is only exposed when necessary. This method is particularly useful in environments where minimizing data exposure is critical, such as online or mobile payments, where transaction security is a primary concern. The approach balances security and usability by allowing seamless transaction processing while protecting sensitive financial information.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temporary transaction authorization message specifies a default payment account number corresponding to the provisional transaction authorization of the plurality of provisional transaction authorizations, the default payment account number being automatically selected based on stored user preferences.
This invention relates to payment processing systems, specifically methods for handling provisional transaction authorizations in digital payment environments. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and user inconvenience in selecting payment accounts for provisional authorizations, such as those used in digital wallets or mobile payment apps. When a user initiates a transaction, multiple provisional authorizations may be generated, but the system must determine which payment account to use as the default for the final transaction. The method involves automatically selecting a default payment account number from a user's available accounts based on stored preferences. These preferences may include factors like account priority, transaction history, or user-defined rules. The system generates a temporary transaction authorization message that includes this default account number, ensuring the provisional authorization is linked to the most appropriate payment source. This reduces manual selection steps for the user and minimizes transaction failures due to incorrect account choices. The approach enhances the speed and reliability of digital payments while improving user experience.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transaction settlement message includes an instruction to the merchant POS terminal to charge the attempted transaction to the preferred payment account number.
A system and method for optimizing payment processing involves selecting a preferred payment account for a transaction based on user preferences or other criteria. The method includes receiving a transaction request from a merchant point-of-sale (POS) terminal, identifying a user associated with the transaction, and determining a preferred payment account for the user. The system then generates a transaction settlement message that includes an instruction to the merchant POS terminal to charge the transaction to the preferred payment account. This ensures that the transaction is processed using the user's preferred payment method, improving convenience and potentially reducing fees or maximizing rewards. The system may also handle cases where the preferred payment account is unavailable or declined by providing alternative payment options or notifying the user. The method may be integrated into existing payment networks or merchant systems to streamline the payment process and enhance user experience.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising: initiating a timer; and automatically selecting the preferred payment account number in response to the timer expiring.
This invention relates to automated payment account selection in a transaction processing system. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure payment processing, particularly in scenarios where multiple payment accounts are available to a user, requiring a method to automatically select the most suitable account without manual intervention. The method involves initiating a timer during a transaction process. After the timer expires, the system automatically selects a preferred payment account number from among available options. This selection is based on predefined criteria, such as account balance, transaction history, or user preferences, ensuring the most appropriate account is chosen without requiring user input. The timer ensures that the selection process occurs at an optimal time, preventing delays while maintaining security and efficiency. The invention may also include steps to verify the selected account's validity, such as checking for sufficient funds or confirming the account is active. If the selected account is invalid, the system may either prompt the user for manual selection or automatically choose an alternative account. This ensures seamless transaction processing while minimizing user interaction. The method is particularly useful in environments where quick and secure payment processing is critical, such as online transactions, point-of-sale systems, or automated billing systems. By automating the account selection process, the invention reduces the risk of errors and enhances user convenience.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the preferred payment account number from among the plurality of payment account numbers comprises: receiving, from the user device, an automatic selection of the preferred payment account number based on stored user preferences.
This invention relates to payment processing systems that automatically select a preferred payment account for transactions. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and user inconvenience of manually selecting a payment account during each transaction, especially in digital or mobile payment environments. The solution involves a system that automatically determines a preferred payment account number from multiple available accounts based on stored user preferences, eliminating the need for manual selection. The method operates by receiving an automatic selection of the preferred payment account number from a user device. This selection is based on predefined user preferences, which may include factors such as account balance, transaction history, merchant-specific rules, or user-defined priorities. The system retrieves these preferences from a database and applies them to dynamically select the most suitable account for the transaction. This automation streamlines the payment process, reduces errors, and enhances user experience by ensuring the correct account is used without manual intervention. The invention may also involve additional steps such as validating the selected account, verifying transaction limits, or confirming user authentication before processing the payment. The automatic selection process can be customized further based on real-time data, such as current account balances or promotional offers, to optimize the payment decision. This approach is particularly useful in digital wallets, mobile payment apps, and online checkout systems where speed and accuracy are critical.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the preferred payment account number from among the plurality of payment account numbers comprises: receiving, from the user device, a selection of the preferred payment account number based on an input from the user.
A system and method for selecting a preferred payment account from multiple available payment accounts during a transaction. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and user frustration caused by manual selection of payment accounts in digital transactions, particularly when multiple accounts are linked to a user's device or profile. The invention provides a streamlined process where a user can directly select their preferred payment account from a list of available accounts, ensuring faster and more accurate transaction processing. The selection is made based on user input, which may include touch, voice, or other interaction methods, and the chosen account is then used for the transaction. This approach reduces errors, speeds up checkout processes, and enhances user experience by minimizing unnecessary steps. The system may integrate with mobile wallets, payment gateways, or other financial platforms to facilitate seamless account selection. The invention is particularly useful in e-commerce, mobile payments, and point-of-sale systems where multiple payment options are available.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the preferred payment account number from among the plurality of payment account numbers comprises: receiving, from the user device, a selection of the preferred payment account number from among the plurality of payment account numbers.
This invention relates to payment processing systems that manage multiple payment accounts for a user. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently select a preferred payment account from multiple available options during a transaction, ensuring seamless and user-friendly payment experiences. The system provides a method for determining a preferred payment account number from a plurality of payment account numbers associated with a user. The method involves displaying the available payment account numbers to the user via a user device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The user then selects their preferred payment account number from the displayed options. The system receives this selection and processes the transaction using the chosen account. This approach allows users to dynamically choose their preferred payment method for each transaction, ensuring flexibility and control over their payment choices. The method may also include additional steps such as verifying the user's identity or confirming the transaction details before finalizing the payment. By enabling direct user selection, the system enhances security and reduces the risk of errors or unauthorized transactions. The invention is particularly useful in digital payment environments where multiple accounts may be linked to a single user profile.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein normalizing the one or more initial rewards bids and/or the one or more updated rewards bids based on the common factor comprises assigning a monetary value to a non-monetary rewards bid.
This invention relates to a system for normalizing rewards bids in an incentive-based platform, particularly where bids may be monetary or non-monetary. The problem addressed is the difficulty of comparing and optimizing bids when they are in different forms, such as cash payments versus non-cash rewards like points, discounts, or other benefits. The solution involves standardizing these diverse bids into a common format, allowing fair evaluation and selection of the most advantageous bid. The method includes receiving one or more initial rewards bids from participants, which may include monetary and non-monetary offers. These bids are then normalized by converting non-monetary bids into equivalent monetary values based on a predefined common factor, such as a conversion rate or market value. This normalization ensures that all bids can be directly compared on a consistent basis. The system may also update and renormalize bids as new information becomes available, maintaining fairness and accuracy in the evaluation process. The normalized bids are then used to determine the most favorable option, optimizing the selection process for both participants and the platform. This approach enhances transparency and efficiency in reward-based systems, ensuring equitable treatment of all bid types.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining that at least one of the plurality of provisional transaction authorizations comprises a rejected transaction, and updating the plurality of payment account numbers associated with the tokenized financial account number by removing the payment account number associated with the rejected transaction for selection as the preferred payment account number in the attempted transaction.
This invention relates to tokenized payment systems, specifically addressing the challenge of managing provisional transaction authorizations and ensuring secure, efficient payment processing. The method involves handling multiple provisional transaction authorizations for a tokenized financial account number, where each authorization is linked to a different payment account number. When a provisional authorization is rejected, the system identifies the associated payment account number and removes it from the pool of available options for future transactions. This ensures that only valid payment accounts are selected as the preferred payment account number in subsequent transaction attempts, reducing the risk of failed transactions and improving payment reliability. The system dynamically updates the list of available payment account numbers based on real-time authorization outcomes, enhancing security and user experience by avoiding repeated use of rejected accounts. The method may also include generating and transmitting provisional transaction authorizations to a payment processor, where the processor evaluates the authorizations and returns responses indicating approval or rejection. The system then processes these responses to update the available payment account numbers accordingly. This approach optimizes payment routing by prioritizing valid accounts and minimizing disruptions in transaction processing.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: transmitting one or more cancellation messages to each of the payment authorization servers that: transmitted a provisional transaction authorization; and is not associated with the preferred payment account number.
A payment processing system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing multiple provisional transaction authorizations from different payment networks when a user has multiple payment accounts. The system identifies a preferred payment account number from among multiple available accounts and processes a transaction using this preferred account. To avoid duplicate transactions, the system transmits cancellation messages to payment authorization servers that issued provisional authorizations for non-preferred accounts. These cancellation messages instruct the servers to void or cancel the provisional authorizations, ensuring only the preferred account's authorization is finalized. The system may also notify the user of the selected payment account and the cancellation of other provisional authorizations. This method prevents multiple transactions from being processed for the same purchase, reducing fraud risks and improving transaction efficiency. The system may operate in real-time during a payment process, such as at a point-of-sale terminal or online checkout, and may integrate with various payment networks to coordinate authorization and cancellation requests. The cancellation messages include transaction identifiers and account details to ensure accurate voiding of provisional authorizations. This approach streamlines payment processing and enhances user experience by automatically resolving conflicts between multiple payment accounts.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: transmitting, to the merchant POS terminal, the one or more updated rewards bids.
A system and method for dynamic rewards bidding in a payment transaction network involves a rewards bidding platform that facilitates real-time bidding between merchants and payment network participants, such as issuers or acquirers, to offer rewards to cardholders during transactions. The system identifies a transaction initiated by a cardholder at a merchant point-of-sale (POS) terminal and determines the cardholder's eligibility for rewards based on predefined criteria. The platform then solicits bids from payment network participants, where each bid specifies a rewards offer for the cardholder. The platform evaluates the bids, selects one or more winning bids, and applies the corresponding rewards to the transaction. The selected rewards are then transmitted to the merchant POS terminal to be displayed or applied during the transaction. The system may also update the rewards bids in real-time based on changing conditions, such as transaction volume or merchant preferences, and transmit these updated bids to the merchant POS terminal for further consideration. This approach enables dynamic, personalized rewards offers that enhance cardholder engagement and merchant participation in the payment ecosystem.
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March 3, 2020
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